James Newton

2010-02-12

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with minors in Biology and Physics
2010 D.W. Margerum Undergraduate Research Award

Even as a youngster, Jim Newton’s ambition was to become a scientist. An eighth-grade course cultivated an early interest in chemistry and undergraduate studies at Purdue have fostered a research science career. The next step for Jim is a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.

The Indianapolis native was active in Professor Alexander Wei’s laboratory studying nano-chemistry and organic chemistry applications. "Jim has been highly motivated to expand his research capabilities. In fact, he has brought new research protocols into our group, such as amplifying bacterial genes by PCR for protein overexpression – something that neither I nor my graduate students have any practical experience," says Wei.

"I think it is very cool to design a molecule on a piece of paper and then go make it in the lab. The coursework and research experience at Purdue has prepared me for my research career at Berkeley," says Newton.